7-Year-Old With Spina Bifida Joins Bellevue University Bruins Softball Squad

The Bellevue University Bruins softball team is adding a highly prized recruit – 7-year-old Abigail Harvey – at a special public “Draft Day” ceremony set for Thursday, Nov. 29, 5:15 p.m., in the Hitchcock Humanities Center, 1040 Bruin Blvd., in Bellevue, Nebraska.

Abigail, from Plattsmouth, Nebraska, was diagnosed in utero with Spina Bifida, a serious birth defect that can result in major physical and developmental disabilities. Abigail has undergone 20 surgeries during her life – the most recent one was done earlier this month.

Thanks to Boston-headquartered non-profit Team IMPACT, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing serious and chronic illnesses through the power of teamwork, and the Bellevue University softball team, Abigail will become an official member of the Bruins softball team when she signs her letter of intent at the Nov. 29 event. As a team member, Abigail will attend Bruins practices, games, team dinners, events and more over the next two years.

"Our team is so excited to have been given this opportunity to partner with Team Impact and the Harvey family," said Coach Cimino. "Abigail, who is 7 years old, will be the newest member of our team when she signs her letter of intent on November 29. This will be a big day for our softball program and our University to show Abigail and her family that we are here to support them all the way and knowing that we can help by putting a big smile on her face."